Mouse: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ญ
mouse
[ maสs ]
small animal
A small rodent that typically has a pointed snout, relatively large ears and eyes, and a long tail.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mouse |
Also refers to a computer input device used to interact with graphical user interfaces.
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| rodent |
A more formal or scientific term referring to a group of mammals that includes mice, rats, squirrels, and others. Useful in academic or professional settings.
|
| vermin |
Has a negative connotation and is used to describe undesirable small animals, including mice, that are considered pests or nuisances.
|
Examples of usage
- The cat caught a mouse in the kitchen.
- I saw a field mouse running across the field.
computer device
A hand-held device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface and is used to manipulate a cursor on a computer screen.
Synonyms
computer mouse, pointer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mouse |
Again used for both the small rodent and the computer device. See the first entry above for more details.
|
| computer mouse |
Specifically refers to the device used to control the cursor on a computer screen. Useful in situations where you need to avoid ambiguity with the animal.
|
| pointer |
Often specifically discusses the cursor on a computer screen controlled by devices like a mouse or trackpad.
|
Examples of usage
- She used a mouse to click on the icon.
- The wireless mouse was not working properly.
Translations
Translations of the word "mouse" in other languages:
๐ต๐น rato
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเคพเคเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Maus
๐ฎ๐ฉ tikus
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะธัะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ mysz
๐ฏ๐ต ใใบใ (nezumi)
๐ซ๐ท souris
๐ช๐ธ ratรณn
๐น๐ท fare
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ง์ฐ์ค (mausu)
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุฃุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ myลก
๐ธ๐ฐ myลก
๐จ๐ณ ้ผ ๆ (shวbiฤo)
๐ธ๐ฎ miลก
๐ฎ๐ธ mรบs
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัััาะฐะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ siรงan
๐ฒ๐ฝ ratรณn
Etymology
The word 'mouse' originated from the Old English word 'mus', which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word 'mus'. The mouse has been a common household pest for centuries, leading to its association with small, quick movements. In the realm of technology, the term 'mouse' was coined by Douglas Engelbart in the 1960s to describe the device that navigates the cursor on a computer screen.